Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA

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Todd Parola
Todd Parola
  • Member
  • Arlington, VA
  • United States
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Todd Parola's Friends

  • Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith
  • E. David Garcia
  • John L. Bohman
  • Burke Kappler
  • Joan Britt
  • Bernie Hyde
  • Vera Tilson
  • Lauren Savaglio
  • Rev. Joan R. Gelbein
  • Christine Sutton
  • Larry Bory
  • Becca Lovelace
  • Sharon G. Williams
  • Frank Corsoro
  • Diane Ullius

Todd Parola's Groups

Todd Parola's Discussions

Please join the UUCAVA Social Justice community this Saturday morning

We'll be gathering in room 13-15, at 8:45 ... (potluck breky!) Social Justice Community Meeting – Saturday, September 17 from 9 AM to noon Join the UUCA social justice community in Room 13-15 at UUCA…Continue

Started Sep 13, 2011

 

Todd Parola's Page

Latest Activity

Todd Parola commented on Unitarian Universalist Church's video
PART TWO OF TWO As this church transitions, I think we have a beautiful opportunity to consider novel alternatives to the traditional clerical hierarchy whose organizational vestiges seem inevitable but are not. Which is to say maybe we don't…
6 hours ago
Todd Parola commented on Unitarian Universalist Church's video
PART ONE OF TWO I'm listening to this on the TED channel as I write. I don't think I need to hear him because I know where he's going just in the first few minutes, and concur. I think it's obvious. But I am an artist and…
6 hours ago

Space Cats

Brant Widgeon is an Astronomical Image Enhancement Engineer. Many people are surprised to hear everything that goes into making the beautiful celestial image...
Video posted by Todd Parola yesterday

Social Justice Theme Identification Report Now Available

Blog post by Todd Parola Jan 28

US History Project-Glass-Steagall Act

Us History Project, Mr. S. George
Video posted by Todd Parola Jan 20

11/15/11 SOPA Press Conference Panel: Part 1

Anti- SOPA Press conference organized by Public Knowledge, Demand Progress, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Americans for Job Security, Don...
Video posted by Todd Parola Jan 18
Rhonda Buckner replied to the discussion 'What in heck is up with SOPA and PIPA?' in the group Social Justice News Group
I have not been following this issue, but Todd's writing caught my attention and interest. I wanted to quickly see what objective writing had been already written- and found this…
Jan 18

What in heck is up with SOPA and PIPA?

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And how does the typical american make an intelligent decision about supporting or critiquing internet legislation?Today, if you're like me, you may have noticed many favorite websites such as Craigslist and Wikipedia are offline in a united strike formation to protest legislation proposed to regulate internet piracy. (Internet/intellectual property piracy generally refers to the unauthorized/unlicensed reuse of creative content online. For example the US film industry is very concerned about…See More
Todd Parola added a discussion to the group Social Justice News Group Jan 18

Chris Hedges: "Hope" Speech

Chris Hedges speaks in Lafayette Park before getting arrested in front of the White House. An "On the Ground" segment for the entire demonstration will be po...
A video by Todd Parola was featured Jan 12

Inequality in Wealth, the Corruption of the Democratic Process... ?

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The Occupy and 99% movements have highlighted these fundamental grievances. How will we as a church community address the growing distortion of the democratic process in the USA? Come to a program on Growing Inequality in Wealth, the Corruption of the Democratic Process and Resulting Social Injustice Saturday, February 4 8:30am-12:30pm at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church 1909 Windmill Lane Alexandria, VA 22307. Featured speakers will include Kevin Zeese of the Occupy Movement and Aquene Freechild…See More
Todd Parola added a discussion to the group Social Justice News Group Jan 12

All-UUCA Faith-in-Action Meeting Sat., Jan. 28

(9AM to noon, with in-gathering and lite breakfast starting at 8:45 AM) How will we join our justice work across ministries and programs in 2012-2013?  What funding will be needed to support our efforts?  All interested members and friends are urged to attend as we build on the work done at the Nov. 12 Faith in Action meeting. Specifically, we will consider the viability of a year-long project with a theatrical presentation of immigration stories as its focal point.  This meeting represents the…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola Jan 8
Laura Dely commented on the blog post 'Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!'
Here's the link to the SJ Budget Request form.
Jan 2
Moya Marlene Atkinson commented on the blog post 'Mike Check: Occupy this?'
Hi Laura, Thank you so much for your comment. In this response, I can't comment on the need for custodians to earn the County's Living Wage, but I'm very glad to comment on the Occupy Movement. There are two events coming up on the…
Jan 2
Laura Dely commented on the blog post 'Mike Check: Occupy this?'
Occupy highlghts the broad strokes of economic inequality that permeates our country today. It is exciting to  see the enthusiatic response to their cries of "We are the 99%!" There have been reports, editorials, documentaries about…
Dec 27, 2011

Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!

Dear UUCA Social Justice community, Deadline for Social Justice program fund applications is Jan 8, 2012.The Budget Request Information & Work Sheet Form are available:1)  Under the Social Justice drop down menu on the church website "12-13 Social Justice Budget Request"2) On the main Social Justice page on the church website (look for the blue title under Rev. C's video in the right hand column).3) We have also created a sub-page to the Social Justice Newsgroup, called Social Justice…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola Dec 19, 2011

Mike Check: Occupy this?

Wherefore Occupy? Are you sick of living in a corpacracy? The disproportionate distribution of wealth?Is Occupy a visionary re-imagining of American democracy?Is it a silly "pie in the sky" utopian dream?Is Occupy pragmatic? And what are you willing to do to educate and promote change and participation?Members of our church have enthusiastically embraced the sensibility of Occupy, but what is the long term promise; the intellectual and political responsibility of the friends of Occupy?What does…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola Dec 15, 2011

Profile Information

How long have you attended UUCAVA?
1999
What does multiculturalism mean to you?
For those of us raised in somewhat outside-the mainstream, Multiculturalism may simply be a description of what the world empirically "is."

Or it might be considered a state of Liberal theoretical conscience,employing measures of affirmative corrective action, promoted among individuals and institutions as a means of redressing the legacies (deeply embedded institutionalized racism and injustice) of subjugation and attempted genocide visited upon indigenous cultures by the expansion of European power across the globe.

All life, culture is sacred. But it is a mistake to pretend that multiculturalism is a moral and qualitative leveler of experience. It should not be construed to say that "one experience is just as good as another." This is Not true. There are myriad cultural experiences that are not moral equals. So it is better that we should understand "multiculturalism" as a mentality demanded by a 21st C American conscience that admits to and seeks correction for the ills brought by the global impact of American and European dominance.

So it is best that we use it as a reminder of the vast variety of unknown human experience that begs not only for the validation that is offered by UU principles, but also the critique; not mistaken for a warm and fuzzy essentialist blanket that ameliorates difference, but applies as a corrective lens of generous inquiry and understanding with justice at heart.
What religion or spiritual practices did you grow up with?
Wagner, Rogers and Hart/Hammerstein, Shakespeare, cheesy "Hawaiian" songs
Tell us a little about yourself/your family/your interests:
I'm a multi-ethnic dog: Chinese, Hawaiian, Italian. My (professionally academic) parents, though relatively recently converted to UU, were strident secular humanists that planted and nurtured my contempt for organized religion.

Professionally, I am a photographer trained in painting, with a MFA from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Both my studies and professional life have brought me into critical dialogue on matters of multiculturalism.

My graduate studies introduced me to a variety of thinkers in the post-structuralist, critical theory vein. These include, among others, Michel Foucault, Julia Kristeva, and specifically on post colonial theory I have read Homi Bha Bha and Edward Said.

On matters more focussed on american race and civil rights issues, I have read Cornel West, bell hooks, Ronald Takaki, Lani Guinier.

This is a tiny list of thinkers, (and I do not suppose that my introduction to them constitutes great authority of any kind - rather, I consider myself humble and circumspect to the dialogue).

Working for the Chicago Artists' Coalition in the early 90's I produced a conference for non-profit organizations entitled "Who Gets the Money: Funding Cultural Diversity in Chicago." This was attended by local, state, and private foundation professionals, as well as staffers from both human service and cultural non-profits in the area.

As president of the pan-asian DestinAsian arts group, I attended and received a diploma from the MacArthur Foundation's Curriculum on Collaboration (which was in many ways an answer to many of the questions that arose from the conference that I had produced a year earlier). The Curriculum sought to teach relationship-building across race and socio-economic lines and organizational missions, to promote dialogue and a more efficient and holistic integration of cultural and human service programming around the city.

RICE MATTERS - A project that captured the imagination of many, but which was never launched, considered the staple rice and it's impact on latin and asian identities as a cultural nexus. I would love to refashion this for Arlington's latin and asian communities.

Spiritually? As I mention, I have been categorically hostile to organized religion which I believe co-opts religio-esthetic experience and calls that grace/awe/sublime experience, a divine servant of it's own particular institutional identity.

My own religious sensibilities oscillate between both quietism and ecstatic states that I have explored through some years of buddhist practice; rock and jazz music; and psychedelic experimentation. I think esthetics actually unifies and best describes the phenomenon that I experience as "spiritual."

James's "Varieties of Religious Experience" is a huge spiritual and intellectual touchstone for me, as is Chogyam Trungpa's "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism," and I think these are both critical texts for Unitarians as we consider theological as well as ethnic diversity.

I am very circumspect about extended multicultural debate in our church for it reveals perhaps as much about our own narcissism as it does about our desire to serve. I think the phenomenon of institutionalized narcissism (not to be confused with self-criticism and healthy expressions of self worth) is a common and insidious underlayment to mission work, and as such is a profound defect of organized religion that should be avoided.

Political and social justice activity can happen anywhere - not just in churches. So In addition to dedicated social action, I imagine a church as a place of grace and sanctuary. These are ultimately the most common threads that all cultures can practice gently together.
Why are you a Unitarian Universalist?
I believe that free people have the responsibility and power to enact communal love, justice, forgiveness, grace, intellectual rigor and charity in their communities and that the State should be the authority and justice broker of last resort.

Given it's liberal history of inquiry into spiritual and intellectual experience and the relationship of those themes to social justice, the Unitarian Universalist church therefore may promise a uniquely fertile ground for this aspiration as it bridges the most longed for in the intersection of the spiritual, social action/justice, sexual freedom and the search for community and joy.

It follows that I am specifically interested in church social justice activities because of my (admittedly dreamy) hope that UU practice can positively influence our country's pathologically dis-functional politics, bringing into the vacuum of civility, empiricism, and reason, a restoration of faith and trust in open minded critical conversation.

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Todd Parola's Blog

Todd Parola

All-UUCA Faith-in-Action Meeting Sat., Jan. 28



(9AM to noon, with in-gathering and lite breakfast starting at 8:45 AM)

 

How will we join our justice work across ministries and programs in 2012-2013?  What funding will be needed to support our efforts?  All interested members and friends are urged to attend as we build on the work done at the Nov. 12…

Continue

Posted on January 8, 2012 at 6:30pm — 1 Comment

Todd Parola

Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!

Dear UUCA Social Justice community, 



Deadline for Social Justice program fund applications is Jan 8, 2012.



The Budget Request Information & Work Sheet Form are available:



1)  Under the Social Justice drop down menu on the church website "12-13 Social Justice Budget Request"



2) On the main Social Justice page on the church website (look for the blue title under Rev. C's video in the right hand column).



3) We have also created a sub-page to the…

Continue

Posted on December 19, 2011 at 3:51pm — 1 Comment

Todd Parola

Mike Check: Occupy this?

Wherefore Occupy? 

Are you sick of living in a corpacracy? The disproportionate distribution of wealth?

Is Occupy a visionary re-imagining of American democracy?

Is it a silly "pie in the sky" utopian dream?

Is Occupy pragmatic? 

And what are you willing to do to educate and promote change and participation?

Members of our church have enthusiastically embraced the sensibility of Occupy, but what is the long term promise; the…
Continue

Posted on December 15, 2011 at 11:19am — 2 Comments

Comment Wall (8 comments)

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At 6:33pm on March 5, 2010, jill herndonjill herndon said…
Good to have you in the VOICE group online.
At 7:16pm on November 15, 2009, Elizabeth FogartyElizabeth Fogarty said…
I'd love to have them on the UUCA website! If it's not too time-consuming, would you mind sending them also to volunteer4afac@aol.com? If that's a bother, I'll just let the folks at AFAC know to look for them on our website. Thanks so much!
At 5:14pm on November 12, 2009, Elizabeth FogartyElizabeth Fogarty said…
Thanks!
At 4:06pm on November 12, 2009, Elizabeth FogartyElizabeth Fogarty said…
Hi Todd,

I think you are taking photos at church these days? We're having a Volunteer Fair for the Arlington Food Assistance Center in the fellowship hall after each service on Sunday. If you are planning to be there on Sunday, would you mind taking a couple photos of the set up?
At 9:40pm on November 8, 2009, Rev. Mary McKinnon GanzRev. Mary McKinnon Ganz said…
Todd, what beautiful pictures you took of today's service! Your shots of the dancers, capturing the light in the Sanctuary, are stunning. And thank you for capturing those moments with the Stone and the children. Priceless!
At 9:08am on October 21, 2009, Barbara JohnsonBarbara Johnson said…
Hi Todd, Thanks for being my friend! I look forward to more - best, Barbara
At 10:42am on September 14, 2009, Unitarian Universalist ChurchUnitarian Universalist Church said…
Hi Todd! Welcome to the UUCA Beloved Community online. Now we can participate anytime and from anywhere in church life. Our shared journey of spiritual growth, lifelong learning and pursuit of social justice now continues in discussion boards, blogs, uploaded photos, videos and other social ways here. To help you get started, please read the Getting Started blog post.

We are asking that if you intend to upload an image to represent you as a portrait icon on the site, that you use a photo that is clearly of you to reinforce our church's relational culture. We'd like to recognize each other online and offline! You upload the photo of you from your Settings page.

Please don't hesitate to send questions to the UUCA administrator, or leave questions on the Comment Wall of UUCA's Page. Soon we will have short movie how-tos for use of this site. Feel free to leave this Welcome note right where it is. It may help you in the future!

It's great to see you online!

Can I get an "Amen?" :)
At 11:16pm on September 13, 2009, Unitarian Universalist ChurchUnitarian Universalist Church said…
Hi....tx! Your photos are making a huge difference.......so glad we met today. Best, June
 
 
 

Discussions

Barbara Johnson

Precious Lord, Expression and Belonging 5 Replies

Started by Barbara Johnson. Last reply by Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith Jan 28.

Blog Posts

Derek Singer

Is "Great Decisions" Over?

Posted by Derek Singer on February 3, 2012 at 4:45pm

Rhonda Buckner

Marriage Equality Needs YOUR VOICE

Posted by Rhonda Buckner on January 28, 2012 at 5:52pm — 3 Comments

Rev. Linda Olson Peebles

Reflections from a New Grandmother

Posted by Rev. Linda Olson Peebles on January 24, 2012 at 2:32pm — 7 Comments

Marilyn Baker

Immigration Class & Film Series

Posted by Marilyn Baker on January 21, 2012 at 3:30pm

Sue Browning

On Feb. 18: Deepening Connections

Posted by Sue Browning on January 22, 2012 at 5:00pm — 2 Comments

Rev. Michael McGee

A Common Meditation for January

Posted by Rev. Michael McGee on January 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

Rev. Linda Olson Peebles

Crisis for VA Families

Posted by Rev. Linda Olson Peebles on January 17, 2012 at 4:57pm

Cynthia Adcock

A Power So Great

Posted by Cynthia Adcock on January 18, 2012 at 12:43pm

Roger E. Soles

On Replacing Michael

Posted by Roger E. Soles on January 1, 2012 at 7:42pm — 5 Comments

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